By Joan O’Keefe
When talking to teens, rule #1 is that the conversation has to be about a healthy body. It’s very important for them to understand that when you’re overweight, you have health problems. We need to convey that although looks and self esteem are important, even more important than the teasing, etc is that overweight teens are jeopardizing their health. The body just doesn’t run well when it’s carrying too much weight.
Your teen’s new mantra should be: GOOD THINGS FIRST. Simply, fill up on the good stuff. Pick a protein, pick two colors for each and every meal.
Teens need to understand that the body needs the right fuel. I use the car analogy. What would happen if I put water in my gas tank? I’d go nowhere. When you’re putting junk food in, you go nowhere. Our bodies are meant for a certain fuel and they will run more efficiently on that fuel.
It is vital for teens to have breakfast. Their biological clocks say “sleep in,” but the reality is that they have to get up and they HAVE to have breakfast and it MUST include protein. Protein in the morning will keep kids satisfied, eliminate junk food cravings and help them think longer, test better and learn easier. Protein sources can be fast: Leftover protein from dinner (chicken breast, etc.), yogurt with berries, peanut butter and an apple, whey protein (mix it and go out the door with it), cottage cheese are all examples.
